Internship Opportunities at the Pantry/Foundation

Since our first day of Foundation operations, we have engaged youth and learners of all levels to support our grassroots anti-poverty and mutual aid programs. As teachers of family medicine, Drs. Figueroa and Wu have developed programs with several principles of social health education: 1) experiential learning, 2) humanism, 3) advocacy, and 4) solidarity. In order to build a solid volunteer base, conveying senses of purpose and intention are important. Several opportunities for internships exist at the Foundation beyond single day volunteer experiences.

For questions about these internships or other student collaboration opportunities, please email us at figueroawufamilyfoundation@gmail.com or info@pilsenfoodpantry.com.

HIGH SCHOOL SUMMER INTERNSHIP

Since 2018, the Foundation has hosted a summer internship for high school and college students. Priority is given to BIPOC applicants. Participants spend 25 hours a week with a foundation program (emergency food, clothing, medical supplies) and receive a stipend for their efforts. The experience includes mentorship from Dr. Figueroa and the opportunity to earn a letter of recommendation for college and scholarship applications. Interns may rotate for up to eight weeks (minimum commitment is four weeks).

The annual application period opens in February/March.

COLLEGE STUDENT internshipS

The Foundation has multiple learning agreements with local universities (University of Illinois at Chicago [UIC] nutrition science, UIC social justice, National Louis University undergrads, Northeastern Illinois University social work, UIC School of Public Health) that allow college student internships. Like the summer interns, the college interns select an area of focus (emergency food, clothing, medical supplies) and are supervised by the staff to reach their learning goals. The organization is also open to developing additional learning agreements.

MEDICAL STUDENTS

Dr. Figueroa coordinates a student elective, Better Health Through Advocacy, which is hosted year-round for students interest in improving their patient navigation skills. The students spend time in multiple activities ranging from clinical services in the family medicine clinic, serving learning at the programs of the FWFF, intentional community exploration, and self-awareness and advocacy training.

In collaboration with the Illinois Academy of Family Physicians, American Academy of Family Physicians, and UIC Department of Family and Community Medicine, the Foundation also co-sponsors a summer internship for a pre-clinical medical student interested in a career in family medicine. More information can be found at https://www.iafp.com/summer-externship and at https://www.iafp.com/pilsen-health-equity-externship.